Taste in Wine

Tired of Cape Dutch gables? Bored of twee stoeps? Well, there have been a number of successful (Tokara springs to mind as does the fabulous tasting room at Beau Constantia) and less successful (De Wetshof... really?!) wineries built in recent years. It is a rare privilege, however, to have an addition designed by Makeka Design Lab. We haven't been but the photos whet an (admittedly easily convinced) appetite for architecturally inspiring wine tasting. Other nice wineries, whilst we're on the subject, include Richard Perfect's elegant Steenberg and the strange apparition that is the tasting room at Ataraxia.

As usual, Makeka tells it best:

"How does a utilitarian wine shed become the
new home for a young wine, and become a gateway for new audiences to wine and
unique food? How does one engage with a Dionysian culture whilst creating a
calm Apollonian and cerebral spatial experience?

"We
had to create a fresh and lightweight architectural response to the existing
shed and environs, employing what we call "cascading space", where
spaces lead and flow unto each visually and physically. The architectural
language of glass, steel and wood is designed to create a sharp and arresting
contrast with the setting, whilst allowing views of the vineyards to penetrate
deep into the interior. Clarity of approach and slights of hand with axial and
asymmetrical elements allow for the space to be clearly understood, and yet
with enough difference in detail and architectural moments to offer delight to
the visitor.

"The
palate of colours were restricted and disciplined so as not to compete with the
wine and food pairings, the intention from the outset was to create a
comfortable space and place for the everyday visitor and endearing design clues
for those who are familiar with cutting edge contemporary design. The design
effectively creates an intimate experience that inspires recurring and subtle
wonder. The architecture is intentionally athletic, unadorned with unnecessary
clutter, and blends a type of minimal timelessness into the design that lifts
the brand of Leopard’s Leap.

"The
brief called for an existing shed-like structure, on a farm just outside of
Franschhoek in the Western Cape to be converted into the home of Leopard’s Leap
Wine. Spatial requirements included a tasting area and private tasting lounge,
a demonstration kitchen and culinary studio for world renowned chef Liam
Tomlin, a boardroom, offices and other associated functional spaces. Most of
these requirements could be accommodated in the existing facility and it was
only necessary to add two new structures to the South and West. They are
treated as discreet elements separated from the main building with glass
“gaskets”. The existing building was gutted and a horizontal “cut” at a height
of three meters was made through the structure in order to open it up to the
outside and the spectacular views of the Franschhoek Valley. This cut set up a
datum line which organized the space vertically and determined all ceiling heights
and the mezzanine level. Lightweight steel structures and elements were added
to contrast with the heaviness of the existing and a feeling of airiness
pervades the space. Major elements like the tasting counter, fireplaces and
ramps were treated as sculptural pieces and provide focal points, as well as
guiding one through the space, eventually ending up at the extensive veranda
overlooking the vineyards."

"Finishes
were chosen to be muted yet sophisticated and includes polyurethane resin for
the floors, opaque white Perspex for the ceiling, and solid Oak timber for all
joinery. The colour palette also complements the brand’s corporate colours.
Extensive landscaping complements the interior and features a steel sculpture
by Marco Cianfanelli, waterfeatures and a herb garden that supplies the
kitchen. Sustainability was addressed through the implementation of performance
glazing, solar water heating with heat pumps, and energy efficient lighting.
All timber was sourced from responsible forestry.

"From an urban perspective the existing
entrance was moved to the Western facade to address the street and to announce
the building to the context. An elaborate approach has been orchestrated that
leads the visitor through the vineyards to the formal approach and into the
home of Leopard’s Leap.